Redshirt freshman Brandon Jawato came off the bench to drain a record seven straight 3-pointers in the first half — finishing with a game-high 21 points — and Christian Standhardinger added 17 points and five rebounds as a crowd of 6,214 at the Stan Sheriff Center watched the Warriors improve to 9-5 overall and 3-0 in the Big West, tied for first place with Cal Poly San Luis Obispo entering their first conference road trip. UC Riverside fell to 4-11, 1-2.

In UH’s 90-88 victory over Cal State Fullerton on Thursday, true freshman forward Isaac Fotu scored 20 points in the first half and finished with 29. Jawato, a 6-foot-4 wing from El Segundo, Calif., tied a Big West record for 3-point field goal percentage in a single game (7-for-7) and set a UH freshman record for 3-point goals made in a single game.

He also tied Matt Lojeski’s 2007 school record for single-game 3-point field goal percentage (7-for-7) and fell three short of Trevor Ruffin’s single-game record for 3-point goals made (10 vs. Louisville in 1993).

Jawato said his leg started cramping early in the second half, and he was limited to seven minutes of action after intermission. He did not attempt a 3-point shot in the second half.

“It was fun to see a guy get hot like Brandon did,” Warriors coach Gib Arnold said. “I’ve never seen a guy hit seven 3-pointers in one half, in 20 years of coaching and 20 years of playing. But it was a team win — everybody who played, contributed.”

Jawato entered the game averaging just 5.7 points per outing, but exceeded that mark less than midway through the first half. His first 3-pointer broke an 8-8 tie and his second one started the Warriors on a 14-0 run capped by Fotu’s layup that put UH up, 25-10 with 6:36 before intermission.

Jawato’s seventh 3-pointer, which came 49 seconds before the break, gave the Warriors a 40-19 lead that proved insurmountable.

“I just started shooting, and after the first couple, I felt hot,” Jawato said. “The more minutes I play, the more I feel confident out there. But it’s a team game, so I just try to get my teammates open and if I get open, knock down shots.”

Jawato nailed two 3-pointers from the right corner, two more from the right wing and one each from the top of the key, left wing and left corner. The wing shots were each from beyond 23 feet.

“I think from my third shot on, I was feeling my rhythm,” said Jawato, who once drained 10 treys in game during his junior year in high school.

Arnold said Jawato has the rare talent of being able to make shots without needing to square up completely to the basket.

“He has a nice stroke and can shoot it while he’s moving,” Arnold said. “He can hit it even when he’s off-balanced.”

Hawai’i led, 40-21, at the half and the Highlanders could not get closer than 13 points thereafter. Josh Fox’s baseline jumper cut the lead to 50-37 with 12:18 remaining, but the Warriors responded with a 9-3 run which Fotu bookended with a slam dunk and 15-foot jumper from the left wing to make it 59-40 four minutes later.

UC Riverside could not get within 15 points the rest of the way.

“(The Highlanders) had a really good game plan — they’re a physical team and play hard, they bump you and hit you and play aggressive — but our guys did a good job of countering that,” Arnold said.

Hawai’i shot 55.1 percent from the field, while limiting the Highlanders to 38.9 percent. Led by Jawato’s 7-for-7 performance, the Warriors shot a season-best 62.5 percent (10 for 16) from 3-point range. The Warriors also had their best game of the season, percentage-wise, from the free throw line, making 12 of 14 for 85.7 percent.

UH will now begin preparation for its first conference road trip, at UC Irvine in an ESPN game on Wednesday followed by a game at Long Beach State on Saturday afternoon. Arnold said that despite being 3-0 and in first place, the Warriors have much work still do do.

“If this is as good as we’re gonna be, then we’re not going to do very well in this conference,” Arnold said. “I think this team has a high ceiling, but we’re not there yet.”

21 Comments

Good morning to all
Sunday and I happen to have the time to write a long post
maybe someone finds the time and have the patience to read all the others just skip

I am so happy with the 3-0 that I have to write my own impressions about boys.
When I first saw highlights and interviews of the guys I immediately believed in their individual and team bright future and become a fan.
For all the parents and fans want to say something positive about the impression on me that each of them leaves
Each of them has within it a unique talent that we gradually discover

Joaquim – a guy who wishes for the New Year to be a better person shows a character. A lot of nice his constant repetition of “you know” while talking, and in this style I want to say “I know” Already now he is a very good person. Very unselfish and dedicated player. Regardless of injury, giving a huge contribution to the team.

Rozitis – he is a good ghost of the team, animator, omnipresent, he is the glue. Sorry it’s a senior, because its potential is not reached maximum. I enjoy the ease with which he blocked the ball. Especially praiseworthy about his efforts to record video. He showed his lucidity when selecting gifts for Fotu

Tavita – a guy who has a lot of incredible empathy towards each and just because I can understand his mistake entering the field because of a desire to help Vander. Wonderful to hear that he welcomes nephews and said he apologized to his dad, because had previously welcomed just mom.His great unselfishness is an important characteristic for a good playmaker

Brereton – very polite and self-effacing, I enjoy listening to his interviews. His mild temper a bit bothered him in the game. That is why I always want to cheer especially to his every shot to achieve point. He is responsible for the onset of self-confidence of young players because along with Christian led the team in victories at the start of the season and created a positive atmosphere

Standhardinger- he’s special, I was delighted when he became king of the beach and sent a message to mom. His fighting spirit is fantastic he was able to score so tough shots. The whole German nation can be proud of him because he really is a true representative of the nation that is known for their virtues they have, hard-working people, order, and discipline

Spearman-his face and bright eyes and a beautiful smile radiates positive energy. His interview I see more than I listen because of a nice facial expressions evan words that I do not understand what they mean I believe that a positive thought. I love his fighting spirit and total prepared to enter the field at any second of the game

Jefferson – acts as a very positive and happy person. Already by the looks I got the impression that he was passionate fast and powerful fighter. From him I can always expect a miracle because it acts like a person who is fighting to the last breath. I am especially pleased that he is scoring a shot to win in the last game

Harper – when I read how much he tried hard to come to Hawaii it was clear that he would succeed because such persistence must achieve results and the admiration of everyone. Guys can learn from him about the power of the will, because besides the talent to succeed everyone needs a lot of work to become a great basketball player
Jawato – he has an intellectual look and is always cool, great fit his glasses to his face. By his looks would say that he is an architect or designer. I was very curious to see him play because he did not leave the impression of an athlete and has not played at the beginning. So I am with his brilliant play and seven three-pointers especially surprised and delighted

Fotu – this hairstyle I had as a young and he was immediately for me sweet and special. His simplicity was delightful, and the interview that I watched showed unexpected maturity. From the first moment he acts like he is at home which is understandable considering that he has family nearby. Great pleasure to watch his game for everyone

Clair – he’s too sweet shy child who just got to love. When you look at the first and last interview was a huge improvement in terms of release. The ease and speed of movement in the game are really fascinating he really flying across the field. When he receives the ball reminds me of a happy baby who got the desired toy and does not stop play.

few words for inactive players who are looking forward to

Enos – we need him and we look forward to him because we are Hawaiian team
Dressler – we need him and we look forward to him because he is tall
Valdes – we need him and we look forward to him because it’s a great athlete
Shamburger – we need him and we look forward to him as the playmaker

another GREAT team WIN! Jawato was on FiYa and Rozitis was d’ing up really well @ the point! Good stuff right there for a 7’er who’s pretty quick with footwork. You can sense Rozitis clicks really well with Fotu

O-Mum, very good comments. You love Basketball team. We fans in the Stan Sheriff Arena love them too.

Harpers, the UH faithful at arena and around town know of you, have good plane ride back to Aussie Land.

We like, to cheer the boys on, next time Jan 17 home game, hope to see seven thousand or more, and UH still in first or second. Come on down to Stan Sheriff Arena if you can. If not watch on TV or online.

O-Mum, the students,and local fans like Ozren, and the Harpers, we like Mike too.

The only issue right now that’s glaring with this team is the guards careless ball-handling. Jace and Roop turn the ball over and get picked way too easily and often. The guards need to take care of the rock, because like Coach said, if we can get a shot on the rim, we have the advantage in getting the board or getting the bucket. If we can’t even get the ball across the court then that’s a problem. The guards need to help each other instead of dribbling too much. Every time Jace and Roop are dribbling with pressure they get ripped easily or make a careless mistake. Too bad Shamburger has to sit because he is a legit point to handle the ball. In any case, that is an easy fix if they can keep the ball moving. Glad the team is gaining confidence with these first three conference wins. The freshmen are really outplaying the upper-class men though cause both Jace and Hauns have been whodini like lately, like now you see me and then you don’t.

I think Jawato has made his case to be the starting 2 guard. He’s definitely earned it. What a shooting exhibition!!! Jawato’s outside shooting will be critical for UH’s success down the road. He will force defenses to at more extended out and it will open up Vander/Fotu down low.

Clair And Tavita played better and kept the turnovers under control.

Riverside didn’t double team Vander all that much and when Vander got good position, he had easy looks. Vander is finally passing out of double teams before they arrive and it’s led to open shots (Jawato knocked down a couple). I know Vander is good at his hooks and jumpers but I would like to see him power to the hoop more and draw contact and more fouls. The Big West doesn’t have the big physical forwards to challenge Vander, so he can get opponents in foul trouble.

Ozi Mum: While English may be your second (or third?) language, it hardly shows in your comments. That’s a great job, providing your prospective on the players. You’re obviously very observant (and knowledgeable when it comes to basketball), and you were able to capture each player’s personality and skills simply by watching game and interview videos. Thanks for your post.

It was nice to see Ozren get some early playing time in last night’s game. And, if I recall, he hit his first 3-point attempt. Good for him.

Pauoa Boy: Yes, turnovers continue to be a concern. It was good to see that Gib left one of the posts (Fotu, in particular) in the backcourt to provide a screen for the point guards, and also take it himself when the opportunity arose. I noted, too, that Ozzie was the primary ballhandler in the game’s final minutes. It’s a work in progress.
.

You really took all the words out of my mouth for the respects I had about our TEAM. For enjoyable accessment as this, I wish everyday is Sunday!

Right after I viewed the Oz’s introductorial video, I was totally captivated by his all-around talent, immediatetly proclaimed: “I am isane!”, “Oz, Oz, Oz no ka oi (he’s #1)!”, “he will be the 1st. point-forward; the best point-forward ever!”. It was thrilling to see that is starting to happen from last night!

Coach Arnold treats all his players as his own sons.. I saw evidance that Oz is one of the-favorite-ones? All of your parents are so fortunate to had someone liked him to guide your sons in a long-term basis (would be invaluable to their future successes in life).

In regards to captain Vander. He is the decoy too. Teams prepare for him, open up things for Fotu, and Mr. Hi motor Standhardinger., just when you think Hawaii slow down, Chrisitian running one man fast break and distributing or finishing at for post move, mid range to 3 line jumper.

I observe Vander is not, and probably will not be 100% for rest of year. If he can be 85 or 90% effective great, he pass more to shooters and cutter, big to big, he will be just as effective. Hauns, sir captain from Memphis, just keep on shooting, however suggestion, move in closer, instead of 21 feet, move in to 18 feet. , to get shot back, go for 2 pts instead of 3, and drive more to get fouled. A lot of shooters do that, start getting layups, then 15 to 17 footers, then when confident 3 pointers.

When UH needs you, hopefully by road games, your 3 pt shot will come back, for now, drive and get fouled and one, pass, assist, defend and shoot 2 pointers instead of three, And whole team still keep turnonvers to 12 or less. On road, against any of other teams 1 through 9, they are going to be tough. So UH , warriors, have to be twice, if not three times tougher, and smarter to get road wins.

Very interesting and great respect for O-Mum, A-Mum, Tonganator, tribeV, for support of our fellow student athletes. Hey UH students, join the fun at next home game, we need 200 or 300 making noise, warriors will play hearts out and get wins at Stan Sheriff Arena for sure.

Much better in the turnover game but are these 2 not told to shoot? Is our offense just about going inside every time down? I think at some point we need to have a more balanced attack. These 2 took 2 shots on 37 min of PG play. Now granted Roop actually scored 7 points when you add the assists and Tavita scored 18 points when you add the assists that is still only 25 pts on a night the team scored 76. Anybody have insight as to why our guards don’t shoot more. We don’t even need them to make them. The attempts alone will create much better balance. Either way, we have too many weapons overall for Big West. Should run the tables. Big test starts on the road haven’t played much on the road this year. To win later down the road come tournament time we will need more PG FG attempts.

kimo kahanui, believe that is UH’s offense . Inside first(down low), then outside. You are right, if SG and PG, all wings shoot when open or feeling their shot like Jawato, I am sure they are going to shoot. Clair, he is wiry strong, needs more experience running show on Offense and Defense. He was not scared or told not to shoot in win over

Fullerton, He and Jawato, like ice water in veins, hit 3 timely 3 pointers, in last few minutes of game against CSF. If he has a good look, and Bigs are doubled or not moving, Clair will shoot it. Jace, has to shoot wide open 3’s, teams are daring him to. If not, Jace is so big, he could drive to within 3 feet of Basketball, a lot of seams and gaps to shoot when they sag off, then he can shoot floater, finish at rim and one or dish to big/shooters on wings.

First, before, shooting, UH has to almost run to perfection their Offense, no sloppy passes, always thinking one play ahead, sometimes they are not in sync. This road trip will be telling. Hope they get at least one. You know Jawato will be shooting, since it is home, Cali.

you can see Coach is working the full court pressure in the last 2 games. On the inbounds there’s a big staying behind so our ballhandler can use em for a shield.

There was one instance that Clair done wrong where Jace excelled in that situation. When the double team d is taking shape you saw Jace pass the ball quickly to the Beeg(Fotu) to break the press. Whereas Clair picked up his dribble and lost the ball on the turnover and I think that was the last play of the nite for Clair, hahahaha. Oh well, he’s getting better

Riverside’s d wasn’t all that great compared to Fullerton’s pressing d. The lazy soft passes has been a problem from game one and they still do it. If it is planned that way, the receiver of that lazy pass should be moving towards the pass in an aggressive manner or the opposing team will pick the pass. Clair gets too excited when the d man is up close, he has to use his body as a shield to keep the d from picking his handles.

I hope Shamburger/ Jefferson is schooling The Roop playing against him in practice. Hounding Roop dribbling the ball around, Roop is not going to get any better if he doesn’t face the pressure in practice. Coach has to make it a point his ball handlers gets the taste of the pressure.

Yes, main thing for UH to really be monster in Big West? Take care of the ball. When they lose it at or before half court, trouble. The compensate, when they get it up court and to the rim, Bigs do great job keeping it alive and scoring or getting fouled. Clair, coach doing right thing,play him plenty minutes, Bang him up in practice, let Keith go after him. Garrett and Keith and Aaron, strip him, force Clair to protect ball, use screens set by Bigs Fotu and Christian(which really helped Jace and especially Clair).

Clair has to still hit weights, and work with coach for guards, on ball handling, protecting, and think before pick up dribble, or telegraph passes. Same for whole team. They do that, keep turnonvers to 10 or less halfway through season, I think UH will be in first place or second going into final 9 games.

Keep working it Warriors, take care of the ball, take care of the ball. Think before play happens. Coaches, coach them up. have them do after and before pracitce , passing, dribbling,and bringing ball up court under pressure or not. until it is stuck in Manroop’s brain. If Ozren, can get used to speed of game, and play big, he could be like a Larry Bird, Magic, so tall, sees right over traps, doubles and delivers good passes, without turning ball over.

Totally concurred with everybody’s concern of the repeating problems on TO & poor PG performances. it all seemed to be robotical & mono-dimensional. One of the reasons why the TEAM hasn’t upset any superior opponent as yet. If the next two road trips outcome => 0-4, might be reason for me to readjust the tournement ending => 0-1. Such supreme power.. cruelty to reality!?
Lady Luck & AD Stan Sheriff, please goto Cali too, just in case the TEAM needing Kokua.

Last dinner with my son tonight in Hawaii on this vacation – a bit tearful – but I am gald he is in such a great place, surrounded by lovely people.

I read everyone’s posts and think how great it is to have such a forum to express the various thoughts, feelings and passions of all things UHMBB. Again, thinking of Dayton here and all the hard work he puts into this site – Dayton you are very special and we are forever grateful for all your efforts. Also a big thankyou to the Schmidt family – what generous and committed family – thankyou so much.

Continued success on the road boys – play like Warriors and the wins will come.

PS – Brandon Jawato – great game last night – it was so exciting for us to witness your talent – and Michael has a packet of Tim Tams for you (make sure he gives them to you)!!!

Ozi mum, great analysis of the players. to say English is your second language (like myself) you done fantastically.
To Aussie mum, have a safe trip back home. It was a pleasure meeting you and your family.

You can see the players are moving around with more confidence with each game. These guys are team players. Coach Gib’s philosophy of it’s about the team is starting to pay off. If they can at least get a split on the road, that would be great.
Go Warriors!

#1 Ozi Mum — Thank You(!) for the Amazingly Insightful Review and Analysis of The Team … While i’ve often heard coaches say it (and i’m sure they usually mean it) — THIS (Probably) IS A Very Special Group … AND i think In Time they WILL Display It so that many others (in the League and Around the Country) can see and feel it…

and as The Team “Hits the Road” and Families & Fans Traverse — Safe Travels All …

—————–

This Year’s Team is…

3-0 in Conference @ HOME; WAS 3-4 Last Year albeit in a believed Tougher WAC, BUT Good Prospects to Better the Overall Conference Home Record, already matching the three wins with Six to Go (+ Bracket Buster);

ON THE ROAD Last Year, was also 3-4: Should be “Easier” Road Travels this year; at least Fewer Hours in the Air and on-the-ground, Fewer Miles and Time Zones … IF can Win One or Two on this prospective “Tough” Trip (Projected Top and Upper Half Teams) for ROAD Starters … would be Off to a Decent Start with a Chance to Finish .500 or Better … We’ll Know By Saturday Night …(Wednesday 6 PM on ESPNU 219/1219)